Sato Named President of Finish Line

Finish Line announced today that Samuel Sato has been appointed president and chief merchandising officer for the Indianapolis-based athletic retail chain. He was previously EVP and chief merchandising officer.

Sato, who joined Finish Line in 2007 after more than 20 years at Nordstrom, will continue to oversee the retailer’s merchandising and marketing plans, and will assume responsibility for Finish Line’s e-commerce business. He will report to CEO Glenn Lyon, who assumed the role of chairman this summer.

Steve Schneider, Finish Line president and COO, will continue to oversee store operations, real estate and information systems.

“As our CEO and now-Chairman Glenn Lyon turns his focus to addressing our company’s long-term future, I am pleased in my new role to team up with Steve Schneider in leading Finish Line’s day-to-day operations,” Sato told Footwear News. “As you know, our e-commerce business is growing rapidly — up 35 percent in the first quarter of 2011. We continue to evolve our online presence and its relevance to our customers. I’m excited about where we’re headed and delighted to expand my responsibilities while aligning with Steve under Glenn’s overall guidance.”

The company also announced that it hired Steven Schreibman as VP and chief marketing officer. Schreibman, who joins the company from Nationwide Insurance, will report to Sato and will be responsible for all of the retailer’s branding and marketing.

Don Courtney, who has led Finish Line’s online division since last August, will continue to serve as president of the e-commerce division, and will also report to Sato.

“Steven is a welcome addition to Finish Line,” Sato said. “He brings a unique blend of creativity and analytical skills to this new role and has a strong track record of demonstrated success. We look forward to the positive impact we know he will make leading the Finish Line brand as the premium brand in our business.”